Rent-boys, Facebook convos and comic books - My Merlin Recs - 5
This week has brought us a totally mindblowing (at least for me!) theme at TavernTales - hackers, robots, ai - I just want ALL THE FICS. Those with Merlin as a Roomba robot (go and check!) and those angsty ones with starcrossed lovers and unhappy Blade Runner-ish androids. The theme is here: and there are already some good WIPs there!
Also this week I did a little rent-boy Arthur/Merlin marathon because this is one of my favorite tropes. If you have any more rent-boy Merlin fics for me to read - PLEASE DO SHARE, I want them all! :)Here are the ones I've read/reread:
Glorious by ZairaA
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 32599 | Explicit | Modern AU
Summary: When Merlin meets Arthur Pendragon he is mesmerised and can hardly believe it when he finds out that he's a highclass prostitute. Thinking it's the only way to see the intriguing prat again, Merlin becomes Arthur's client - and embarks on a journey on which he not only loses his virginity (in any way possible) but also his heart. But while Merlin thinks he has found a friend - maybe even love - Arthur doesn't allow himself such things and keeps reminding Merlin that all they have is a business arrangement.
Why I rec: I really like the trope so I couldn't pass on this one! Merlin kept breaking my heart a little--he's such a sweet creature in this story, lonely and loving. And Arthur is sweet and caring. This fic contains A LOT of sex :) And when I mean a lot, it's a lot--go, read and enjoy!
This Fast, Unreasonable Spring by hermette, i_claudia
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 26542 | Explicit | Modern AU
Summary: Merlin was looking for something uncomplicated. Arthur was just looking to get paid. Neither of them expected to find the other.
Why I rec: Another one with a rent-boy Arthur! Sexy and elegant and with a great heart. This is a great, fast read with hot sex and sweet, loving boys. Special kudos for scary Lance as a chivalrous pimp ;)
Once More, With Feeling by Alby_Mangroves and rufflefeather
Bradley/Colin | Words: 25377 | Explicit | RPF | written for Merlin RPF Big Bang 2012
Summary: Bradley has spent years cultivating an image which feels as hollow as his Hollywood victory. Colin, in moments of weakness, thinks he might have left his soul behind on the set of Merlin. Sometimes, running gets you nowhere except full circle.
Why I rec: I reread this one this week and God, did it break my heart just as much as it did when I read it for the first time. This is a "darker" read than the ones mentioned above, more real if you will, angsty because of all the miscommunication and heartache the boys serve each other.
Parts from my earlier comment to the fic: I loved bitter Colin, behaving like an autodestructive child who punishes those around him along with himself. And broken, scared, lost Bradley living in denial, so oblivious of things he doesn't allow himself to see. Guh! Some parts I could reread and reread - so beautiful descriptions of emotions there, of loneliness of the hotel rooms, of miscommunication. Hot and hearbreaking at the same time. And a happy end.
***
Come Alive by kianspo
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 60302 | Explicit | Modern AU | written for Paperlegends 2013
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the youngest Detective Inspector in Camelot, whose job is rumoured to be cursed, stumbles over a series of crimes no one can explain. Merlin Emrys, a constantly broke student working at a shady nightclub to pay the bills, comes in as a sketch artist - one with an unusual gift. The shadow of magic, supposedly eradicated centuries ago, makes things so much more dangerous for everyone. It's hardly a good time to fall in love.
Why I rec: This is NOT a rent-boy story but somehow reading hurt!Merlin and rentboy!Merlin made me remember this gorgeous read. I couldn't put it down! I was so captivated. Some scenes made my heart clench, Jesus. Merlin is such a poor little kitten in this one, fierce and powerful. There's a crime story, there's danger, there's magic like whoa, there's love and Merlin being such a perfect Merlin.
One of the best stories of the last Paperlegends for sure. It's one of those fics that make you think WOW--this is the way stories should be written.
***
And for the dessert I'm serving you this ridiculous, fast and perfect heart-warmer! <3
two people have "liked" your status. by pixiepuff (colourmecrunchy)
Bradley/Colin | Words: [n/a - fic in "screen-shots" from B/C + others convs.] | Teen And Up Audiences | RPF
Summary: modern epistolary (which means "facebook", yes) short story that takes place on eoin's status (locked for only this gang) after one of their piss-ups. katie ends up feeding everyone while colin wants to stick his foot in his mouth when his well-thought-out pun first backfires, and then snowballs. there's also tom texting and driving at the same time, which you shouldn't really do, but it's a fic so it's allowed. there.
(no word count because it's all fake fb images-convos)
Why I rec: Just go and read because this will make you smile and sigh :) What is better than a post-drinking night conversation of Eoin, Tom, Katie and Alex + Colin and Bradley? :) Sexual innuendos and sudden coming-outs ensue.
***
MERLIN CLASSICS
This week this magnificent fic was brought up in a Twitter conversation and I was devastated it has been pulled. But the author is most kind and she sends a copy to those who'd like to read it (YAY!)
Near-Mint Condition by paragraphs (laridaes)
Bradley/Colin | Words: 82297 | Mature | Modern AU with magic | written for Paperlegends 2011
Summary: [not available anymore], from http://fuckyeahmerlinfanfic.tumblr.com/:
Merlin owns a small comic shop on Cardiff Bay. Life’s been a struggle for Merlin lately; he’s had to downsize the shop he inherited, half the bills are overdue, his boyfriend has left him for a more exciting life in London, something’s been frightening the tourists, and now there are rumours of a new comic mega-store moving into Cardiff. His life is surely over. There are a few things that keep Merlin going though; the support of his friends, an agent is interested in his online serial, and the hot bloke on the comic forums likes him. At least he thinks it’s a bloke. If only he could be sure, and if only he could figure out how to save his shop. Oh, and there’s one more thing. Just like his favorite comic book heroes, he can move objects, control the wind, and can even make his dog Kilgharrah do the most amazing tricks. He doesn’t know whether to don a cape or check himself into a psych hospital. But he’s no superman, just an average guy with a lot of problems, and the biggest one of all is named Arthur Pendragon.
Why I rec: As many glorious fics this was also one of the first I read in Merlin fandom and I kept coming back to it. As all EPIC stories it has it all--amazing characters, great love, powerful, very dangerous magic, fantastic creatures and hot, hot sex. This is a must-read like all classics. You won't be able to put it down! Thank you and see you next Saturday.
___
PS. If you spot any mistakes please let me know so I can correct :)
Also this week I did a little rent-boy Arthur/Merlin marathon because this is one of my favorite tropes. If you have any more rent-boy Merlin fics for me to read - PLEASE DO SHARE, I want them all! :)Here are the ones I've read/reread:
Glorious by ZairaA
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 32599 | Explicit | Modern AU
Summary: When Merlin meets Arthur Pendragon he is mesmerised and can hardly believe it when he finds out that he's a highclass prostitute. Thinking it's the only way to see the intriguing prat again, Merlin becomes Arthur's client - and embarks on a journey on which he not only loses his virginity (in any way possible) but also his heart. But while Merlin thinks he has found a friend - maybe even love - Arthur doesn't allow himself such things and keeps reminding Merlin that all they have is a business arrangement.
Why I rec: I really like the trope so I couldn't pass on this one! Merlin kept breaking my heart a little--he's such a sweet creature in this story, lonely and loving. And Arthur is sweet and caring. This fic contains A LOT of sex :) And when I mean a lot, it's a lot--go, read and enjoy!
This Fast, Unreasonable Spring by hermette, i_claudia
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 26542 | Explicit | Modern AU
Summary: Merlin was looking for something uncomplicated. Arthur was just looking to get paid. Neither of them expected to find the other.
Why I rec: Another one with a rent-boy Arthur! Sexy and elegant and with a great heart. This is a great, fast read with hot sex and sweet, loving boys. Special kudos for scary Lance as a chivalrous pimp ;)
Once More, With Feeling by Alby_Mangroves and rufflefeather
Bradley/Colin | Words: 25377 | Explicit | RPF | written for Merlin RPF Big Bang 2012
Summary: Bradley has spent years cultivating an image which feels as hollow as his Hollywood victory. Colin, in moments of weakness, thinks he might have left his soul behind on the set of Merlin. Sometimes, running gets you nowhere except full circle.
Why I rec: I reread this one this week and God, did it break my heart just as much as it did when I read it for the first time. This is a "darker" read than the ones mentioned above, more real if you will, angsty because of all the miscommunication and heartache the boys serve each other.
Parts from my earlier comment to the fic: I loved bitter Colin, behaving like an autodestructive child who punishes those around him along with himself. And broken, scared, lost Bradley living in denial, so oblivious of things he doesn't allow himself to see. Guh! Some parts I could reread and reread - so beautiful descriptions of emotions there, of loneliness of the hotel rooms, of miscommunication. Hot and hearbreaking at the same time. And a happy end.
***
Come Alive by kianspo
Arthur/Merlin | Words: 60302 | Explicit | Modern AU | written for Paperlegends 2013
Summary: Arthur Pendragon, the youngest Detective Inspector in Camelot, whose job is rumoured to be cursed, stumbles over a series of crimes no one can explain. Merlin Emrys, a constantly broke student working at a shady nightclub to pay the bills, comes in as a sketch artist - one with an unusual gift. The shadow of magic, supposedly eradicated centuries ago, makes things so much more dangerous for everyone. It's hardly a good time to fall in love.
Why I rec: This is NOT a rent-boy story but somehow reading hurt!Merlin and rentboy!Merlin made me remember this gorgeous read. I couldn't put it down! I was so captivated. Some scenes made my heart clench, Jesus. Merlin is such a poor little kitten in this one, fierce and powerful. There's a crime story, there's danger, there's magic like whoa, there's love and Merlin being such a perfect Merlin.
One of the best stories of the last Paperlegends for sure. It's one of those fics that make you think WOW--this is the way stories should be written.
***
And for the dessert I'm serving you this ridiculous, fast and perfect heart-warmer! <3
two people have "liked" your status. by pixiepuff (colourmecrunchy)
Bradley/Colin | Words: [n/a - fic in "screen-shots" from B/C + others convs.] | Teen And Up Audiences | RPF
Summary: modern epistolary (which means "facebook", yes) short story that takes place on eoin's status (locked for only this gang) after one of their piss-ups. katie ends up feeding everyone while colin wants to stick his foot in his mouth when his well-thought-out pun first backfires, and then snowballs. there's also tom texting and driving at the same time, which you shouldn't really do, but it's a fic so it's allowed. there.
(no word count because it's all fake fb images-convos)
Why I rec: Just go and read because this will make you smile and sigh :) What is better than a post-drinking night conversation of Eoin, Tom, Katie and Alex + Colin and Bradley? :) Sexual innuendos and sudden coming-outs ensue.
***
MERLIN CLASSICS
This week this magnificent fic was brought up in a Twitter conversation and I was devastated it has been pulled. But the author is most kind and she sends a copy to those who'd like to read it (YAY!)
Near-Mint Condition by paragraphs (laridaes)
Bradley/Colin | Words: 82297 | Mature | Modern AU with magic | written for Paperlegends 2011
Summary: [not available anymore], from http://fuckyeahmerlinfanfic.tumblr.com/:
Merlin owns a small comic shop on Cardiff Bay. Life’s been a struggle for Merlin lately; he’s had to downsize the shop he inherited, half the bills are overdue, his boyfriend has left him for a more exciting life in London, something’s been frightening the tourists, and now there are rumours of a new comic mega-store moving into Cardiff. His life is surely over. There are a few things that keep Merlin going though; the support of his friends, an agent is interested in his online serial, and the hot bloke on the comic forums likes him. At least he thinks it’s a bloke. If only he could be sure, and if only he could figure out how to save his shop. Oh, and there’s one more thing. Just like his favorite comic book heroes, he can move objects, control the wind, and can even make his dog Kilgharrah do the most amazing tricks. He doesn’t know whether to don a cape or check himself into a psych hospital. But he’s no superman, just an average guy with a lot of problems, and the biggest one of all is named Arthur Pendragon.
Why I rec: As many glorious fics this was also one of the first I read in Merlin fandom and I kept coming back to it. As all EPIC stories it has it all--amazing characters, great love, powerful, very dangerous magic, fantastic creatures and hot, hot sex. This is a must-read like all classics. You won't be able to put it down! Thank you and see you next Saturday.
___
PS. If you spot any mistakes please let me know so I can correct :)